2025 Toyota GR Yaris GT Manual Review

The GR Yaris is one of Toyota's most unique and exciting performance vehicles, with the company transferring a heap of its rally know-how into its smallest hatchback in the range.

The pint-sized performance hatch helped to reinvigorate Toyota's sporty DNA back in 2020, while the facelifted GR Yaris that touched down in late 2024 ushered in some key updates to keep it competitive in the modern landscape.

Hot hatches are an increasingly rare breed of vehicle, though the GR Yaris remains one of the most in-demand vehicles in the segment, though it's a package not without some compromise.

Boasting more power than ever, a styling refresh inside and out, retuned all-wheel drive system, added safety tech and the option of an eight-speed automatic, there's a lot to like about what the latest GR Yaris lineup is putting down.

Is it time to take the plunge and get behind the wheel? We got behind the wheel of the GT manual version to find out if the base version proves best.

Toyota GR Yaris Competition

How Much Does It Cost?

There's four different versions of the GR Yaris on sale in 2025, with Toyota splitting the range into two variants, both of which are offered with a manual or automatic transmission.

Prices kick off from $55,490 for this GR Yaris GT Manual, increasing to $57,990 for the GT Automatic, while the GTS Manual and Automatic are priced at $60,490 and $62,990, respectively.

• GR Yaris GT Manual - $55,490 (tested)

• GR Yaris GT Automatic - $57,990

• GR Yaris GR Yaris GTS Manual - $60,490

• GR Yaris GTS Automatic - $62,990

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Toyota GR Yaris GT Manual Specifications

What Features Does the Toyota GR Yaris GT Manual Have?

Toyota's entry point into the GR Yaris range boasts a pretty sweet range of equipment, including some new features for MY25 versions.

Headlining the kit is a set of 18-inch Enkei wheels wrapped in Dunlop SP Sport Maxx tyres, LED head & tail lights, a carbon fibre roof, dual exhaust pipes, four-piston front and two-piston rear brakes with ventilated discs and black calipers, a metallic front grille and rear bumper mesh.

Inside, the GR Yaris GT picks up a set of GR sports seats in the front upholstered with a mix of suede and leather, with a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats, aluminium pedals, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry & start and a rear-view camera with front & rear parking sensors atop a stack of active safety tech.

For reference, upgrading to the GR Yaris GTS range adds forged BBS wheels with upgraded Michellin Pilot Sport 4S tyres, a torsen limited-slip differential, upgraded suspension, red brake calipers and a sub radiator with an intercooler spray button.

Toyota GR Yaris Connectivity & Infotainment Features

Climb aboard and you'll see that the layout has changed pretty dramatically inside the latest range, though the tech offering remains much the same.

The redesigned cockpit presents a driver-centric package, with a mass of plastic, inspired by the A80 Supra, surrounding the 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system that adds a sporty, novelty charm to the cabin.

There's also a new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that looks shmick and adds a nice splash of modernity into the cabin.

Toyota’s 8.0-inch display certainly isn’t the biggest or most impressive unit, though it's a nice upgrade over the previous 7.0-inch display and, importantly, comes powered by better hardware underneath.

It also shows that the true focus was elsewhere, something we can't really fault, considering just how well it drives.

All the usuals are bundled in, like AM/FM and DAB+ digital radio alongside a nice eight-speaker JBL sound system, as well as integration with Toyota's Connected Services suite.

The 8.0-inch display offers decent brightness levels and enough processing power to trawl through menus without much hesitation thanks to the inclusion of Toyota's latest infotainment software over the previous-gen GR Yaris.

Buyers pick up a one-year subscription to Toyota's connected software, though emergency calls and essential vehicle information each remain a free-to-access service without paying.

Does the Toyota GR Yaris Have Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto?

Another key update for the latest GR Yaris range has been the addition of wireless smartphone connectivity for both major ecosystems.

While the previous GR Yaris required you to bring your own USB cable in order to access Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, the upgraded 8.0-inch infotainment system and modern software now means you can keep the cabin uncluttered.

MY25 versions of the GR Yaris boast wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, meaning you can leave your phone in your pocket while accessing all your contacts, tunes and podcasts.

We found the process of pairing our phone to be quick and simple, with a stable connection via Apple CarPlay and easy hand-over between two separate phones thanks to some simple software in the settings.

How Powerful is the GR Yaris?

The latest GR Yaris range comes powered by the same, maniacal little turbo three-pot, though power and torque outputs have both increased.

Why? Well, why not - more power is never a bad thing.

Toyota's 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder unit now pushes out an extra 21kW of power and 30Nm of torque, matching the added power outputs the GR Corolla recently picked up.

That means there's a total of 221kW of power at 6,500rpm, with peak torque figures of 400Nm coming into the equation between 3,250 - 4,600rpm.

Toyota has also added an eight-speed automatic transmission for buyers, widenening its appeal with those less familiar with a clutch pedal.

• Engine: 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol

• Power: 221kW (up 21kW)

• Torque: 400Nm (up 30Nm)

• 0-100km/h Time: 5.1 seconds

Is the GR Yaris Fun to Drive on the Open Road?

The GR Yaris is absolutely fantastic and, we'll come right out and say it - a superior performance machine than its more expensive GR Corolla hatchback sibling.

It's got the same engine - now with equal power outputs - combined with that trick, adjustable all-wheel drive system in a package that weighs considerably less than the GR Corolla.

Mash your foot and second gear proves nothing less than a brute, treating you to some serious, visceral acceleration when the turbo comes into swing.

Toyota claims a 5.1-second sprint to 100km/h.

We can vouch for those numbers and even insist things feel even faster when you're inside the cockpit.

Straight line acceleration is just one piece of the puzzle, though, and arguably one of the less impressive feats of the GR Yaris package - it really is a road-going rally package for the masses.

In manual form, the shifts feel fantastic thanks to the solid feel of the short-throw transmission with the added benefit of automatic rev-matching for your downshifts.

The front end feels incredibly agile, with tonnes of mechanical grip to keep up with the sharp steering rack and tangible feedback through the column to keep you atop exactly what the wheels are up to.

Initial turn-in happens at lightning pace, with the stiff chassis more than happy to comply and pivot around a corner without a second thought.

The suspension hardware, with its double wishbone arrangement at the rear, keeps things nice and planted in the corners while eating up some decent punishment on rougher road surfaces.

Slam the brakes and you'll stop on a dime, with vicious performance on offer from the 356mm front discs that can stand up to a heap of punishment.

The adjustable all-wheel drive system is a serious cherry on top, too - something you won't find in any of its rivals.

Depending on the road surface and your mood, you can shuffle the power between the the front and rear wheels in favour of a more balanced or rear-biased setup, giving the GR Yaris an adaptability that is impossible to ignore.

Do you need to upgrade to the GTS over this GT? For the majority of buyers, no.

That said, the base GT range goes without the upgraded suspension system and torsen limited-slip differentials, which is something to keep in mind if you're after the best performance possible.

You also pick up forged BBS wheels and superior Michelin Pilot Sport 4S rubber with the GTS range which transforms how much mechanical grip is on offer while treating the driver to even more dynamism with a pair of limited-slip differentials.

Is the GR Yaris a Good Daily Driver?

The process of transforming the Yaris into a road and gravel-munching performance hatchback has made it far less civilised.

That said, performance enthusiasts will be quick to forgive its shortcomings on the daily and learn how to coexist with this hardcore little Yaris.

Arguably, the most important thing to note about the daily driving experience is how that stiff suspension setup will suit the roads you frequent most and the lowered suspension package.

The latter of which means you need to tackle some steeper inclines and driveways with caution, as you're at risk of scraping the front bumper.

Stiff suspension is a detraction, for sure, though it also proves a feature in the way it makes the GR Yaris a weapon around town, allowing you to tackle corners with ease.

You’ll also lead the charge off any set of traffic lights because, when you really stomp on the throttle, this little hatch won't be challenged.

The steering rack is heavier than your typical hatchback, though it remains easy to throw around while you're parking and in general duties and offers different levels of weight in normal and sport modes.

Better yet, the turning circle hasn't been impacted by its performance transformation, remaining nice and compact, making the GR Yaris remarkably user-friendly in the urban jungle.

Pick up the pace on the open road and the ride is pretty crashy on a bad surface, though the chassis does well to maintain composure on bumpy roads.

At higher speeds on a rough surface, there is a tonne of road noise that makes it way from the tyres into the cabin, too, which can prove a bit grating on a long-distance trip.

All up, it's worth noting there is certainly a price for performance in terms of its everyday civility, but the price is no where near big enough to detract from the wider appeal of the GR Yaris package.

In reality, this will likely be a second car that is perfect as a weekender.

Is it Fuel Efficient?

Obviously, fuel efficiency wasn’t a huge priority for Toyota while designing the GR Yaris, but if you're sensible with your right foot, you can extract some decent fuel economy figures.

On a combined cycle, Toyota says the GR Yaris is rated at 8.2L per 100km in manual form, which increases to 9.1L per 100km in the case of the automatic.

This means if you're after the more fuel efficient transmission option, the manual is the way to go.

On a mix of town, country and highway driving, we were able to average 7.8L per 100km, showing that if you’re pretty sensible with the throttle, the GR Yaris doesn't necessarily have a drinking problem.

The GR Yaris comes packaged with 50-litre fuel tank and drinks premium 98-octane fuel.

GR Yaris Manual Fuel Economy: 8.2L/100km (claimed) GR Yaris Manual Fuel Economy: 7.8L/100km (tested) GR Yaris Automatic Fuel Economy: 9.1L/100km

Is it Practical and Spacious?

Things have changed inside the GR Yaris' cabin, which remains a pint-sized and ultimately compromised hatchback that should be considered more of a glorified two-seater than anything else.

While the previous version utilised familiar layout from the regular Yaris, Toyota has gone with a sportier, more driver-centric arrangement that may polarise some buyers, but we ended up appreciating the unique design over its donor vehicle.

Climb aboard and you're treated to a pair of chunky sports seats that make a great first impression.

They feel great thanks to the mix of leather and suede upholstery and come with seat heating which is particularly nice for those living in cooler climates.

Toyota’s GR-branded seats also strike a nice blend of comfort and support when you're pushing the limits thanks to a healthy, but not constrictive, set of side bolsters.

The GR Yaris knocks it out of the park when it comes to the driving position and ergonomics.

With plenty of range for the reach and rake-adjustable steering wheel, a big handbrake lever and manual transmission that falls perfectly into your hand, we wouldn't change a thing about the layout.

There’s something so satisfying and intuitive about the GR Yaris’ ergonomics when you’re really pushing it and, even when you're not, you can make a quick change to the climate settings with just a stretch of your finger while holding the gear lever.

Toyota has made a few minor changes to the layout of the cabin, in light of some criticisms about its lofty driving position - these have culminated in a more accommodating layout for taller drivers.

Headroom is solid, even for extremely tall front occupants when you drop the seat into its lowest position.

The driving stature is nice and low, as you’d expect in a sporty package, though, we don't love the mass of black plastic that rises behind the dash at the base of the windscreen which eats up forward visibility.

To be frank - the overall design, fit and finish of the cabin is nice but it's still plagued by large scales of cheap, scratchy plastics that are a minor detraction considering its premium price tag.

Moving to visibility, the GR Yaris just doesn’t cut it when you’re trying to gauge what's behind you.

The rear windscreen is pittifully small while the rear three-quarter is eaten up by a bulky C-pillar that means you need to be extra vigilant with your mirrors and headchecks while merging.

It’s also a package that doesn't offer much in the way of storage.

The centre console offers a pair of small cupholders beside the gear lever and a two-tiered cubby below your left elbow, but that's it for central storage.

There is, however, a neat little tray in front of the passenger's seat and a glovebox as well as decent-sized bottle holders inside the door sills.

Move to the second row and you'll quickly notice that the GR Yaris might have four seats on paper but will rarely be utilised as a chariot for four adults.

To put it into context, at 185cm, my preferred driving position left about two fingers' worth of real estate between the seats.

With some serious sacrificing of comfort up front you could make things possible for adults in the rear, though headroom is extremely limited due to the design of the sloping roof.

Amenities in the rear are also non-existent, with no cup holders, air vents, charging ports or map pockets on offer - not even any grab handles.

For the parents, the GR Yaris picks up two separate of ISOFIX anchor parings and three top tether mounts behind the seats.

Accessing the rear cabin with a bulky child seat may prove problematic, however, but it remains kid-friendly and may help to get the deal over the line with your significant other because it can, in fact, transport a pair of child seats.

How big is the GR Yaris' Boot?

Don't expect to move mountains with your GR Yaris - though we actually came to love driving around with the redundant rear seats folded down, making it a two-seater with a pretty decent boot.

With the rear seats standing, the GR Yaris' boot measures a very compact 174L, capable of eating up a couple of school backpacks, but little more.

Fold the 60/40 split rear seats down, though, and you've got access to a very handy amount of cargo space in a reasonably practical layout that makes it more competent than you might expect.

Toyota doesn't put a number on it, but we can say that it transforms the little GR Yaris into a two-seater with a large boot for bigger suitcases or golf clubs.

Is it Safe?

Toyota has made some key additions to the GR Yaris' safety technology lists.

As standard, all versions come packaged an AEB system offering pedestrian and cyclist detection as well as junction assist alongside blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, lane-trace assist and safe exit alerts.

You also receive a wide-angle rear-view camera with front & rear parking sensors, six airbags, traffic sign detection and automatic high-beam assistance.

Buyers opting for an automatic version of the GR Yaris pick up adaptive cruise control as well as front and rear support braking.

The GR Yaris range has not been officially tested by ANCAP and remains unrated as of 2025.

What Warranty does the GR Yaris Come With?

Toyota offers the GR Yaris range with a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty.

The company gives buyers capped-price servicing for the first six visits to the service centre, priced at $310 a pop.

Service intervals stand at a relatively short six months or 10,000 kilometres, however, to keep things moving inside the fire-breathing turbocharged three-pot smoothly.

This means that three-years' worth of servicing for the GR Yaris GT Manual totals $1,860, increasing to $2,970 over five years.

Buyers also have the option of Toyota's standard roadside assistance package, priced at $99 annually, or the upgraded roadside assist plus membership priced at $139 per year.

Our Verdict: Is the Toyota GR Yaris Worth it?

Quite frankly, the GR Yaris is one of the best performance vehicles currently in production and a sure bet as a future classic in today's marketplace.

The driving experience is nothing short of staggering and it’s one of those cars that you can't help but smile when approaching from a distance.

With visceral straight-line acceleration, razor-sharp steering and outlandish confidence in the bends, the GR Yaris welcomes a challenge and begs for more.

It also offers something for all levels of drives, with more experienced hot heads able to configure their setup and shuffle more power to the rear thanks to Toyota's clever AWD system.

Obviously, all this performance has come at some expense to its everyday driveability, though not to the extent that it would isolate its target demographic and, in reality, remains a rapid little hatch in the urban jungle.

The question, then, isn’t whether or not you should buy one - it's which one do you buy.

This entry-point is a beast of a car that ticks all the boxes, though true hot-heads may want to stretch the budget a little to get their hands on some of the performance hardware reserved for the flagship GTS range.

Don't forget that our car-buying team is ready to help find you the best possible deal on your next car; reach out today to see how much you can save.

Five GR Yaris Specs You Need to Know

1. Five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty

2. 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol (221kW / 400Nm)

3. Six-speed manual & eight-speed automatic transmissions available

4. Adjustable all-wheel drive system

5. 0-100km/h in 5.1 seconds